Edge Defender Free Agent Carl Lawson battled injuries during the 2023 season, but he might be a good buy-low for the right team.
During free agency, the Baltimore Ravens lost a number of important players. To replace some of these players, the team may choose to sign a less expensive free agent like Carl Lawson. In 2023, Jadeveon Clowney played in every game and had a tremendous season, logging 9.5 sacks, 43 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, and 19 quarterback hits. The veteran, who had previously signed several one-year contracts, took advantage of this outstanding season to cash in with the Carolina Panthers, depriving Baltimore of an accomplished edge defender to go along with Justin Madubuike.
Baltimore kept Kyle Van Noy, but they haven’t done a good job of replacing Clowney. The Ravens targeted other positions early in the NFL Draft since they were unable to afford a costly edge defender in free agency due to salary cap concerns and roster attrition. The Ravens should pursue free agent Carl Lawson as a low-risk, high-reward veteran, according to Bleacher Report, though rookie third-round pick Adisa Isaac could be able to contribute right away.
Carl Lawson is an interesting and sensible choice. Despite being locked in a deep defensive line rotation with the Jets and missing much of the 2023 season due to a back injury, he is only 28 years old and has a track record of strong play.
Ravens Might Sign a Free Agent Carl Lawson
Due in large part to injury, Carl Lawson is one of the players on the free agent market who is more often neglected. The Auburn graduate profited from his first four successful seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals by signing a three-year, $45 million contract in free agency. Sadly, the injury bug struck soon after, preventing him from playing in 2021 due to a ruptured Achilles and limiting him to just six games in 2023 due to back problems. Even in his best health, Lawson rarely saw the field, recording just five tackles and zero sacks for the season.
Despite having a forgettable season in 2022, Lawson showed he is still a viable player. The high-profile free agent concluded his first season back from the Achilles injury with seven sacks, 33 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, and 24 quarterback hits. Carl Lawson, who will turn 29 this season, is a fantastic buy-low free agent that the Ravens may sign for a modest cost of just one year.
Carl Lawson is a free agent, so naturally, the Ravens won’t be the only team interested in him. A few clubs ought to be considering bringing in the former fourth-round pick to see what he still has in the tank, even though no one is engaging in a bidding war for him.
Additional Possible Locations
Falcons of Atlanta
The Falcons think they are talented enough to win right now. Although Kirk Cousins will provide Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson much-needed steadiness, Atlanta’s defense has to get better if they are to make a deep postseason run. Carl Lawson is a cheap free agent with excellent upside that the Falcons should be interested in, especially with only $7 million in budget space remaining. The Falcons can cut him with little financial impact if he has nothing left. He can, however, assist this squad in winning the NFC South if they manage to capture lightning in a bottle.
Saints of New Orleans
When the Saints signed injured player Chase Young to a one-year contract, they were taking a big chance for a big payoff. The Saints might employ Young as a backup plan in case he is unable to regain his best form, even though he could fix their problems on the edge. Carl Lawson is the perfect free agent to bring in to battle for a roster position despite having little financial freedom.
Lions of Detroit
The Lions have a huge window of opportunity to win the Super Bowl, and they are making every effort to take advantage of it. There’s always space for another pass rusher, even though the team spent the offseason strengthening the defense and holding onto its best players. Marcus Davenport is a good complementary option, and Aidan Hutchinson is a fantastic player, but this squad might use another guy who can pressure the quarterback. Carl Lawson would probably be best served as a situational player at this stage of his career and be a nice free agent addition to this defense.
Panthers of Carolina
The Panthers are using as many bodies as they can find to attack the edge defender position after dealing away Brian Burns. Although they can hold their own, Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum aren’t the league’s most formidable tandem. Carolina might benefit from bringing in an inexpensive free agency edge rusher like Carl Lawson, as this team will need to win via defense. It doesn’t hurt to give the veteran a test drive even if he may not have anything left.
The Chiefs of Kansas City
The Chiefs can get after the quarterback with Chris Jones and George Karlaftis, so they don’t need another pass rusher. However, Kansas City needs to strengthen every aspect of their roster in order to attempt the first three-peat in NFL history. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, a 2023 first-round pick, wasn’t very productive as a rookie, and the Chiefs could utilize Carl Lawson, a cheap free agent insurance policy, in case the Kansas State product can’t improve in Year 2.
